Alex made her way to Hano Grand Resort, which was east from the Dimensional Research Lab. Alex stared up at the giant building in awe. It was huge! "This place has to be super expensive to stay at..." she mumbled to herself. She went inside and looked around. Who should she be looking for? The weird Chief guy? An Aether employee? Hau wasn't quite here yet, either...
The weird Chief was indeed there, and Alex approached him. "So you've come at last," he said. "Ah, but forgive me. I have yet to introduce myself. You may call me Faba." A weird name for a weird guy, huh? "I told you before that I would show you someplace astounding, right? Well, that wonderous place is... Aether Paradise!"
Alex blinked. What was that? Was that like their head quarters?
"Let me tell you about Aether Paradise," he said, as though he had read her mind. "Just as the name suggests, Aether Paradise is a veritable paradise for Pokemon that floats far out in the sea surrounding Alola. It is an artificial island, made entirely by human technology, for the protecting of Pokemon! Of course I'm an adult who keeps his promises, so I will prove to you that all I've told you is the absolute truth with a tour of Aether Paradise. You will come, won't you?!"
Alex shrugged. The Aether Foundation seemed like nice people. Besides, if something were to happen, she had her Pokemon with her. She would be safe. "Yeah, sure."
"Good, good. Then you'll come with me. Aether Paradise will amaze you."
"Wait! Take me, too!" Hau called out, rushing towards them.
"Oh?" Faba said, looking at him when he approached, as well as the two who came along with him. "Even Kahuna Olivia has come to see you off?"
"As a kahuna, I look after all the trial-goers who come to my island. They're like my children," Olivia explained. "Not that I've got any- I've never even gotten married." Alex smiled to herself. Olivia's protectiveness of the trial-goers that pass through her island made her appreciate the kahunas more. "Listen up, you two. Your greatest opponent is always yourself. Your greatest allies, the Pokemon beside you."
Alex nodded. She could only agree.
"Thanks!" Hau glanced over to the other people who came with him, Professor Kukui. "Are you coming too, Professor?"
"I've got my own business to attend to," Kukui replied. "You go see all the amazing tech that Aether's developing and tell me about it later, yeah?" He flashed his usual grin. "That's right. I'll see you on the next island... Ula'ula Island, yeah? Then let's meet up at Malie Garden!"
"Yup! It's good-bye, Akala Island!" Hau said, smiling. "Though I guess we can come back anytime we want to, huh?"
"Then let us enjoy an adventure upon that grand vessel that will take us across the high seas!" Faba said. "By which I mean to say, the ferry." Faba led them out of the resort and to the pier just outside it.
"Can you believe a big hunk of iron like Aether Paradise can float in the sea?!" Hau marveled when they approached the ferry. "And it's all cuz of the Pokemon holding it up. Did you know that, Alex?!"
Alex widened her eyes, staring at Hau in disbelief. "Seriously? There's Pokemon holding that place up?!"
"Knew I could count on you to react!" Hau said with a laugh. He turned back to look at the ferry. "Ho, I can't wait to actually see inside Aether Paradise for myself!" They all boarded the ferry, and they were off to Aether Paradise.
The building itself was absolutely huge, with Aether employees and Pokemon scattered all over the place. The three disembarked from the ferry, and Faba stopped before them. "Here we are, you two. This is Aether Paradise," he said to Alex and Hau. He turned and looked at the triangular elevator in the center of the room, where an employee and two Pokemon ascended to the floor above. "Aether Paradise is a facility created for the conservation of Pokemon," Faba began. "It has been outfitted with all of the latest technology for this purpose. Downstairs, our teams work on developing new Pokeballs and more. Yes, all for the sake of Pokemon conservation. " He paused and stroked his goatee. "Though you will not be able to use any of your Pokeballs within Aether Paradise. A jamming signal is broadcast throughout the facility to prevent them from functioning." Alex glanced down at her bag, thinking of her Pokemon, currently trapped inside the balls. That's... a bit scary...
Faba led them towards the elevator, which was now coming back to their level. A middle aged woman with purple hair and a kind face was on it. She saw the group and approached, her eyes locked on Faba. "Excuse me, Mr. Faba..."
"Yes, excuse you!" Faba replied indignantly. "What is the meaning of that form of address? I have a title for a reason! How else will anyone know how important I am!"
The woman nodded. Her face didn't change, but Alex could see a hint of annoyance in her eyes. "Yes... Branch Chief Faba..."
He smiled smugly. "Now, I must go speak with the president about our conservation efforts on Akala... Show these children around, and then take them to meet the president as well." He moved onto the elevator, and he disappeared up to the next floor.
The woman sighed. She turned to Alex and Hau with a kind smile. "Welcome to Aether Paradise, Alexandra and Hau. My name is Wicke."
Alex smiled. "Nice to meet you!"
Hau grinned, but then suddenly jumped. "Wait? You know who we are? How'd you know that?!" Yeah, that is a good question...
Wicke nodded. "One of our employees told me about your meeting on Akala Island." Was she talking about the employee that was with Faba, when she chased off Team Skull with the Slowpoke? "And of course I heard how you helped protect the Pokemon there, too, young Mr. Hau. Thank you very much! Let me show you around. The main entrance is up above us." The elevator came back down. The three boarded it, and Wicke stood near the buttons. "Let's push this button, and... up we go."
Once up top, there were Pokemon and Pokemon standing about, as well as employees standing behind counters on either side of the room. "This is the main entrance," Wicke said. "You can have your Pokemon taken care of at the reception desk there, if you need it." She paused. "Alexandra? You and Hau are both trial-goers, aren't you? Are you hoping to become champions?"
Alex folded her arms in thought. She hadn't considered that, really. She started taking the trials for the journey. After all, it's the journey that's important, not the destination, right?
"I suppose... You must be around 11, then?" Wicke asked.
Alex nodded. "Yeah, I am."
Hau grinned and put his hands behind his head. "Yeah, I took the first chance I had to join in the island challenge once I turned 11! 'Cause some day I really want to be able to beat my gramps... but he's way too strong! So for now I'll enjoy my island challenge."
Alex looked at Hau. So that was his goal: recognition. She never really thought about it; perhaps Hau felt trapped in Hala's shadow...
"How... how lovely for you," Wicke mumbled. "I suppose all children must yearn to take a journey of their own choosing when they get to be about your age. Though you're hardly just children anymore. Trainers are like parents to their Pokemon!" She smiled softly. "Alexandra. Hau. Would you two like to see the conservation area upstairs?"
"Yes, please!" Alex said.
Wicke nodded and turned to the controls again. "Here's the button... Let's push it!" She pressed the button, and they ascended once again.
The conservation area was huge, full of different habitats: rocky areas, forest like, a river that wrapped around the walkways... "Aether Paradise is a safe haven for all Pokemon," Wicke explained. "For this reason, the use of Pokeballs is strictly forbidden within the conservation area."
Alex nodded. She could understand that. It was possible that the Pokemon here had some bad experiences, and they are here now to recover, to regain their trust in people.
Hau jumped about excitedly. "Wow!"
"We keep Pokemon that have been targeted by Team Skull here... And we also try to support Pokemon that need a little extra protection," Wicke continued. That's what Alex figured. It was to protect those who have been hurt. "Like Corsola, for example. They are quite terribly overhunted by a Pokemon called Mareanie. I hope you don't mind if I read a passage from my old Pokedex. I traveled through Kanto before, when I was younger, you see." She pulled a paper from her lab coat pocket. "'Corsola. In Alola, where their natural enemies Mareanie are plentiful, many Corsola have stubby branches on their heads.'"
Alex frowned. "Well that's just sad."
"Yeah. My gramps is always saying that nature's got its cruel side, sure as it gives us blessings," Hau said. Yeah, that sure is true... "But can the Aether Foundation really protect all the Pokemon that're out there?"
Wicke closed her eyes. "Nature does have its own balance, of course. It can be difficult to judge just how much we humans should try to to affect that, can't it?"
Hau flashed his usual huge grin. "That's pretty amazing! The Aether Foundation seems awesome. But why'd you bother setting up a branch in a place like Alola?!"
Wicke shook her head. "I couldn't say... It's hard to know for sure what our president is thinking sometimes." She gave a small shrug. "If you'd like to meet President Lusamine, she should be here in the conservation area now."
Alex looked around the area; the trees, the water, even rocky areas. There were Pokemon and people everywhere, interacting, or doing their own thing. While exploring, Alex came across a beautiful woman with long blonde hair, surrounded by Pokemon. "My sweet Pokemon... I promise I'll keep you safe..." she said softly to the Pokemon around her. "I'll protect you with my love..." She glanced over when she heard Alex, Hau, and Wicke approach. "Ah..." The Pokemon left, guided by an Aether Employee. She fixed her green eyes on the children. "You must be Alexandra and Hau. Welcome to Aether Paradise. The Aether Foundation's own private island." She smiled kindly. "I am the president of the foundation, but please, just call me Lusamine. I'm so glad that we got to meet. I'm glad there are people like you, who travel the island to learn more about Pokemon... But there are also those unfortunate people who harm Pokemon for their own selfish reasons or even for profit." She held out her arms. "And that is why I am here. I will be like a mother to all of those poor Pokemon and shower them with love." She smiled softly. "Even Pokemon from distant worlds, far from the Alola region, are worthy of my love."
Hau grinned. "Wow, Miss Lusamine! I don't know how you do all this! You're, like, not even that much older than us!" Alex nodded and looked Lusamine over. She did look like an adult, but a young one.
Lusamine chuckled. "Oh, you sweet boy! I'm already over 40!"
Hau chuckled as well. "You are?" She looked at him with a serious expression. "Wait, WHAT?!" Alex's eyes widened. No way!
Lusamine chuckled again. "Oh, you! The right style does wonders, you know. And, Hau, your style is a bit wanting, hm? I'll have to take you out sometime and help you pick a smashing outfit."
"L-like what you wear?" Hau mumbled cautiously. "I don't think anyone else could pull off that kind of look! Except maybe Lillie..."
Lusamine paused, something flashing in her eyes. What did she react to? Did she know Lillie?
As quickly as it came, the flash was gone and Lusamine returned to her neutral expression. "Oh, don't you worry. You just leave everything up to me. Trust me- children would be all much happier if they'd listen to the adults around them."
The floor underneath their feet suddenly began to shake; the whole foundation shook. Wicke looked about. "That tremor... Did something happen on the lower floors?"
The shaking quickened, and it was like the air was vibrating. It centered to the right of the group, and a glowing crack appeared, widened, until it looked like a hole opened and stretched into a void. Something began to float out... something that looked like... a Pokemon? This one felt... different, though. Something even dangerous.
Lusamine slowly walked forward towards it. "You are- Have you come from... a distant world?" The Pokemon floated about them, crying softly.
Hau rushed forward. "Miss Lusamine, stand back! That thing's... not right!"
Lusamine shook her head, watching the Pokemon look about its new surroundings. "You poor creature..."
Alex stared up at the Pokemon in awe. Was this... an Ultra Beast? She understood now why she was told they were dangerous; something in their very presence radiated danger.
Hau glanced at Alex over his shoulder. "Alex, can you distract that thing? I've gotta get Miss Lusamine outta here..."
Alex nodded. They had to keep Lusamine and Wicke safe from this thing! She moved before the group and it cried out at her!
She reached for her bag and hesitated. Was it possible that shake knocked out the jammer? Could this thing... have the power to do that as well? All she could do was try. She grabbed a Pokeball and threw it.
She didn't even defeat it. The Pokemon cried out angrily and just disappeared into thin air.
Lusamine sighed and looked to the side. "So it's true... I still need that Pokemon... I need to get it back." she whispered to herself.
Hau sighed in relief and looked at Lusamine. "Miss Lusamine! Are you okay?!" She smiled kindly to him and nodded.
"Why so shocked? Was it your first time seeing an Ultra Beast?" a male voice asked. Alex whipped around and saw Phyco and Soliera standing there. He twirled his mustache in thought. "Those mysterious creature that live beyond the Ultra Wormholes, the holes that suddenly open in the sky and lead to Ultra Space... It would serve you well to remember this."
"Who the- Seriously, what's with that getup?!" Hau gasped, having turned to look at them.
Lusamine looked at Hau and her kind smile was on her lips again. "These are my guests; the Ultra Recon Squad. They have been giving the foundation advice about Ultra Beasts." She glanced up at Phyco and Soliera. "Why don't you introduce yourselves?"
Alex furrowed her brows. They were giving advice about Ultra Wormholes? They weren't from the Dimensional Research Laboratory, though... were they?
Phyco looked at Alex. "So we meet again, trial-goer." Alex nodded slowly in response.
"The Ultra Recon Squad is-" Soliera paused. "Well, as the name suggests, it is a group that investigates Ultra Wormholes and Ultra Beasts." She gestured to her companion. "This is Captain Phyco, and I am Soliera."
"Ultra Beasts?" She had heard quite a bit about the Wormholes from the Dimensional Research Laboratory, but not much about the Beasts that supposedly came from them...
"Our world is wrapped in darkness, though it also shone with light once, long ago..." Phyco began.
"There is a creature... known as Necrozma. It is able to bestow light upon others, but now it runs wild, beyond reason," Soliera continued. "We call it the Blinding One out of respect, but... I fear that the day may come when Alola loses its light to Necrozma."
So they came from a world that isn't this one? That would explain why they were so strange, and why catching Pokemon, and Pokemon in general, was so foreign to them. And the Blinding One they mentioned... Was that an Ultra Beast as well?
Lusamine turned to face the group, the Ultra Recon Squad behind her. "But everything will be fine. If this Necrozma, or even an Ultra Beast like the one we just saw, should come to this world from another, the Aether Foundation will be prepared to protect the light of Alola." She smiled. "Rest easy... You will not need to worry about a thing." With that, the Squad left, and Lusamine led them back to the elevator. "Wicke," she said once they reached it. "These two are still in the middle of their island challenge, aren't they? Please deliver them to their next island."
"O-oh! At once, ma'am!"
"I will go check that none of our poor resident Pokemon came of any harm. And I need to speak with Mr. Faba about exactly what happened downstairs. It may be that our experiments to open an Ultra Wormhole are not going as well as we hoped."
Wait, the Aether Foundation was also trying to open Ultra Wormholes? That sounded so dangerous! That explained why Phyco and Soliera were here, were Lusamine's guests...
Wicke gave a small bow and turned to Alex and Hau. "I'lll see the two of you to Ula'ula Island, then."
Hau excitedly waved to Lusamine, who waved back, and the elevator took them back to the harbor where the ferry was.
"I never thought I'd actually get to see the Ultra Wormhole in my life..." Hau said when they reached the ferry. "Never mind meeting people from another world! Man, the the surprises never stop coming! We've gotta tell Professor Burnet about this the next time we see her."
Alex nodded. "I can only imagine how amazed she will be!"
"I'm glad you feel that way. What happened here today was a surprise to us as well," Wicke said. "But I was very glad to get to meet you both. Please take this to remember your visit. Some malasadas for Hau..." She handed him a paper bag, smelling sweet and delicious.
Hau jumped excitedly. "Yes! Big Malasadas! Awesome! Isn't it crazy how malasadas taste even better when you eat 'em together with someone else?"
Wicke nodded. "Yes... I think I know what you mean. Meals always taste better when you share them with the ones you love." She turned her gaze to Alex. "And for you, Alexandra. A TM for the move Psychic."
"Thank you." Alex bowed her head and took the item.
Wicke smiled kindly. "I hope you both have wonderous adventures on your island challenge." She smiled and waved them off.
Hau and Alex both waved back. "We will! Thanks, Ms. Wicke!" Hau said, and the two boarded the ferry.
"Ho..." Hau sighed in relief once they were seated. "My heart's kind of racing, you know? The Ultra Wormhole was real... and the Ultra Beasts, too! And now the Ultra Recon Squad, too!"
Alex nodded. "It's all pretty mind blowing, isn't it?" She looked out the window. So many crazy things happened today..."
"I bet we'll discover even more things on the new island!" He opened the bag of malasadas, took one out. "We're gonna need all the energy we can get. Time to dig in!" He began chomping down on it. He looked over at Alex. "Do you want a malasada?"
Alex shrugged. "Sure, why not?" He handed her one, and she took a bite. She could understand why he was so obsessed with them; they were really good!"
"Shooot, they're so good." He looked down at his hands. "Hey, it's already gone!"